Best-selling writers atop Novello Festival reading list

Best-selling authors KhaledHosseini, Scott Turow and Armistead Maupin are among those coming to town in October for Charlotte's 18th annual Novello Festival of Reading.

The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, which sponsors the popular monthlong event, will spend about $405,000 on this year's lineup. Organizers expect to recoup more than $200,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1.

Events will be at ImaginOn unless indicated. This year's speakers include:

Graphic novelists Harvey Pekar, author of the comic book series “American Splendor,” and Alison Bechdel, creator of the comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For,” 7 p.m. Oct. 17.

Other events include:

Book Brunch and WordPlay Saturday, both Oct. 11. At Book Brunch, 9:30 a.m., the public mingles with authors and illustrators for youths. WordPlay Saturday, 11 a.m., is the free annual festival for kids and teens. Authors include Cynthia Kadohata, author of “Kira-Kira”; Margaret Haddix, author of “Among the Hidden”; Deborah Gregory, author of “The Cheetah Girls”; Frank Remkiewicz, illustrator of the popular Froggy books.

Carolina Writers' Night, a celebration of local and regional authors, 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Features John Hart, author of “Down River” and “King of Lies.”